p.1 #1 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
Each camera system seems to have its own special lenses. I'm starting to look more carefully at Canon bodies and wondering what choices stand out in RF-mount glass.
Anything new or used under 1,000 USD? Clinical perfection is not my goal.
p.1 #2 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
Rainbow Chaser wrote:
Each camera system seems to have its own special lenses. I'm starting to look more carefully at Canon bodies and wondering what choices stand out in RF-mount glass.
Anything new or used under 1,000 USD? Clinical perfection is not my goal.
The only RF mount that I can think of would be the new 45 f/1.2. I love the VCM's but those are over 1K. There are plenty of other lenses under 1K, but nothing that stands out to me as anything special. Maybe the cheap16 for its tiny size and price?
p.1 #5 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
I'll go out on a limb and disagree with some here. I personally think all of the affordable Canon RF STM primes are outstanding given their price. Basically, they are improved across the board from their EF counterparts, often being faster while still remaining light weight.
Many are stabilized, which is great with cameras like the R8. And the RF STM wide angles in particular are up to 1.3 stops faster than their EF namesakes while being generally lighter and optically superior, even after digital corrections.
A few personal favorites: the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS has lovely rendering--considerably better than the EF 35mm f/2.0 IS--while being lighter and 1/3 stop faster. The RF 24mm f/1.8 IS is 1.3 stops faster than its EF counterpart, focuses closer, and is optically at least as good. The RF 85mm f/2.0 IS is optically better than the EF 85mm f/1.8, critically sharp wide open, and has considerably less color fringing. Did I mention it is stabilized?
The RF 16mm f/2.8 is unique and good. The RF "nifty fifty" has the expected compromises, yet is probably Canon's best yet out of this lineage. The 28mm pancake is--as all Canon pancakes have been--superb given its niche.
And then there is the new RF 45mm f/1.2: clearly punching above its weight.
Are there cons? Yes, STM focusing is slower. The lenses lack internal focusing and therefore can feel more clunky. They are not weather sealed, etc.
Nevertheless, I think these lenses are more "special" than some given them credit for.
p.1 #6 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
garyvot wrote:
I'll go out on a limb and disagree with some here. I personally think all of the affordable Canon RF STM primes are outstanding given their price. Basically, they are improved across the board from their EF counterparts, often being faster while still remaining light weight.
Many are stabilized, which is great with cameras like the R8. And the RF STM wide angles in particular are up to 1.3 stops faster than their EF namesakes while being generally lighter and optically superior, even after digital corrections.
A few personal favorites: the RF 35mm f/1.8 IS has lovely rendering--considerably better than the EF 35mm f/2.0 IS--while being lighter and 1/3 stop faster. The RF 24mm f/1.8 IS is 1.3 stops faster than its EF counterpart, focuses closer, and is optically at least as good. The RF 85mm f/2.0 IS is optically better than the EF 85mm f/1.8, critically sharp wide open, and has considerably less color fringing. Did I mention it is stabilized?
The RF 16mm f/2.8 is unique and good. The RF "nifty fifty" has the expected compromises, yet is probably Canon's best yet out of this lineage. The 28mm pancake is--as all Canon pancakes have been--superb given its niche.
And then there is the new RF 45mm f/1.2: clearly punching above its weight.
Are there cons? Yes, STM focusing is slower. The lenses lack internal focusing and therefore can feel more clunky. They are not weather sealed, etc.
Nevertheless, I think these lenses are more "special" than some given them credit for.
Based on your response it occurred to me this thread is another discussion where "it depends on personal preference and standards" applies to every response. I own all the lenses above you mentioned except for the 28, and I wouldn't call any of them unique or outstanding, but that's just my opinion. I do agree they are good lenses at their price point. I guess I would call them decent inexpensive lenses you can buy on a budget that will serve you well. The RF 45 f/1.2 is really the only outstanding or unique lens at its price point IMO of all lenses mentioned so far.
If I was on a budget for these inexpensive RF lenses I would rather be buying up the old EF L prime counterparts that can be had for not much more and IMO give a much bigger bang for the buck. 24L, 35L, 85LII, 135L, etc, especially since OP mentioned "Clinical perfection is not my goal". Definitely a personal preference thing.
p.1 #7 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
I used to be a brand snob
It was canon or nuthin…simple
BUT…
Their appalling line up of RF-s lenses has made me try Yungnuo. The 23/1.4 shocked me, so much so I’ve bought the 33/1.4 too
It’s arriving today it seems.
p.1 #8 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
I have RF cameras with completely EF set of lenses. One exception - the RF 800/11. That (and 600) has no equivalent in the EF world price/weight/length wise.
p.1 #9 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
artsupreme wrote:
Based on your response it occurred to me this thread is another discussion where "it depends on personal preference and standards" applies to every response. I own all the lenses above you mentioned except for the 28, and I wouldn't call any of them unique or outstanding, but that's just my opinion. I do agree they are good lenses at their price point. I guess I would call them decent inexpensive lenses you can buy on a budget that will serve you well. The RF 45 f/1.2 is really the only outstanding or unique lens at its price point IMO of all lenses mentioned so far.
If I was on a budget for these inexpensive RF lenses I would rather be buying up the old EF L prime counterparts that can be had for not much more and IMO give a much bigger bang for the buck. 24L, 35L, 85LII, 135L, etc, especially since OP mentioned "Clinical perfection is not my goal". Definitely a personal preference thing. ...Show more →
Yes, fair enough. "Outstanding" or "unique" is certainly a stretch for any budget lens.
These days I have come to put a value on things that extend beyond the optics, such as reduced size and weight and image stabilization. Having adopted the R8 as my primary set up, these become important. And as a people photographer mostly, I don't care that corners are not perfectly sharp wide open and don't mind digital corrections.
I spent years chasing optical "perfection" and have owned all of the fast L-series primes (in the EF era), sometimes multiple times over, as well as a few Sigma Art lenses. At this stage in my life, I appreciate that I can get fast glass at an affordable price, in sizes that I will actually carry.
While I would prefer internal nano USM focusing, I appreciate some of Canon's other design decisions with these lenses more than some do, I think.
p.1 #10 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
garyvot wrote:
Yes, fair enough. "Outstanding" or "unique" is certainly a stretch for any budget lens.
These days I have come to put a value on things that extend beyond the optics, such as reduced size and weight and image stabilization. Having adopted the R8 as my primary set up, these become important. And as a people photographer mostly, I don't care that corners are not perfectly sharp wide open and don't mind digital corrections.
I spent years chasing optical "perfection" and have owned all of the fast L-series primes (in the EF era), sometimes multiple times over, as well as a few Sigma Art lenses. At this stage in my life, I appreciate that I can get fast glass at an affordable price, in sizes that I will actually carry.
While I would prefer internal nano USM focusing, I appreciate some of Canon's other design decisions with these lenses more than some do, I think.
I get it. The older I get the more I prefer the lightweight/compact gear. I used the RF 35 1.8 often while all my other bigger/heavier 35’s sat on the shelf. Also used my lightweight samyang AF RF 85 f1.4 over my canon RF 85 f/1.2, old 50’s over the RF 50 1.2, etc. But I’m now very happy with the VCM line size/weight as they are the current sweet spot for me based on price/performance/size. When I get older it’s possible I’ll be where you’re at, we’ll see.
p.1 #11 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
Rainbow Chaser wrote:
Anything new or used under 1,000 USD? Clinical perfection is not my goal.
In terms of 'character' lenses, it's just the recently released 45/1.2.
But as mentioned, you can adapt anything EF mount with ease using the RF-EF adapter. Otherwise I'd look at what is availale from Voigtlander in RF mount, though it might not all be within budget. And beyond that, I'd look at adapting lenses from manual focus SLR systems and Leica M and LTM mount. If you go the adapted manual focus lens route, you now have a huge range of options. But these can also be adapted to any mirrorless system of your choice, or whatever you are currently using (it sounds like you are not a Canon user).
p.1 #13 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
MintMar wrote:
I have RF cameras with completely EF set of lenses. One exception - the RF 800/11. That (and 600) has no equivalent in the EF world price/weight/length wise.
The 800 with my R100 is like having an 1280mm af telescope
Jim
Canon EOS R100RF800mm F11 IS STM lens800mmf/11.01/100s100 ISO0.0 EV
p.1 #16 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
I'm going to agree with garyvot here. My standard wildlife travel kit is the R5, 16f2.8, 35f1.8, 24-105L, 100-500L and G1X3. This is where my photography interests lay and gets my best gear. This kit is as much as I can manage through airports.
My wife's kit has been the R7 and 18-150 plus the 100-400 for wildlife trips. The 18-150 on the R7 surprised me at how sharp it is considering its class. It's very light and focuses close to 1:2. What a versatile travel camera. The RF 10-18 is equally small, light, and sharp. These lenses are slow but have IS and with IBIS are useable. Then Sigma came out with the 10-18 and 18-50 f2.8s which are optically excellent to my eyes. All these lenses cost much less than $1k. The two EF-s lenses that are unique and work well with the R7 are the 35 and 60 f2.8 1:1 macros.
We're back from a casual family vacation where my wife wanted her R7 so I took my R5. I was envious of the R7's portability. So B&H had a black friday sale and with some remaining store credit bought my own R7. For similar travels I'll use the Sigma 18-50 while my wife uses the 18-150. I'm soon getting the 55-210 to try when I don't want the 100-400. The R7, 10-18, 18-50, 55-210 kit weighs about 3 lbs compared to the over 8 lbs of my wildlife kit.
The IQ of this lighter kit compares well on my 5K display, although the R5, f4 Ls and 100-500 still hold an edge. That kit will still get lugged for worthy destinations.
p.1 #17 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
I think the obvious candidate is the 28mm pancake - sharp edge to edge, tiny, usable at f/2.8 and well under the 1K ask. I have not seen enough of the new 45 but it MIGHT be in that same category for different reasons - it looks to have character/optical-flaws (depending how you view it); Although jury is still out IMO and it will be a polarizing opinion lens.
If I had to pick a zoom the 28-70 f/2.8 is probably the best for this criteria, although with the tariff taxes now a little over 1K new. Great usable lens, great IS and sharp.
An interesting one is the super zoom 24-240 which I think is just under 1K now. Better than it's reputation but obviously has compromises. For versatility it cannot be beat. I love mine but it's not optically on par with the 28-70.
p.1 #18 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
Doubling back to say that I agree with several others that the 16mm f/2.8, the 28mm pancake, and the 45mm 1.2 all probably qualify as "unique" and special in some way.
The OP also asked about zooms, and I personally think the new Canon 16-28 and 28-70 f/2.8 IS models should also qualify. These lenses are outstandingly light and compact given their aperture, are optically excellent (really), have improved STM motors (focusing is faster and much quieter) and are weather sealed to boot. Perhaps they are not as solidly constructed as an L-series lens, but they seem to qualify in virtually every other way.
I've already expressed how I value the size and weight reduction in some Canon lenses. I have added both of these zooms to my kit and will be selling my RF 24-70 2.8L IS and 14-35 4.0L IS.
Edit: for some reason, clicking the link here on FM cuts off everything starting with the ampersand. To see the comparison, copy the text of the link and paste it into your browser's address bar.
p.1 #19 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
garyvot wrote:
The RF "nifty fifty" has the expected compromises, yet is probably Canon's best yet out of this lineage.
I think you're mentioning the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Does it perform differently at f/1.8 compared to the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM? Do these two lenses have different characters or renderings in the aperture ranges they have in common?
I'm trying to figure out the advantages, if any, of the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM for photographers who don't shoot at f/1.2 or even f/1.4.
p.1 #20 · Outstanding or unique RF-mount lenses (affordable primes or zooms): What are your favorites?
Rainbow Chaser wrote:
I think you're mentioning the Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM. Does it perform differently at f/1.8 compared to the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM? Do these two lenses have different characters or renderings in the aperture ranges they have in common?
I'm trying to figure out the advantages, if any, of the Canon RF 45mm f/1.2 STM for photographers who don't shoot at f/1.2 or even f/1.4.
Yes, that's the lens I was referring to.
The primary limitation of this lens, I feel, is rendering quality. At f/1.8, the bokeh can be fairly busy, with noticeable rings around highlights. This "nervous" quality can be distracting to some of us. The EF 50mm f/1.4 is smoother at that aperture, and the RF 45mm I would say is a bit smoother still. In addition, cat's-eye highlights are virtually gone from the 45 at that aperture.
The 50 1.8 can also create some green color fringing, sometimes wildly so.
Wide open, I consider it to be the weakest, optically, of all of the Canon STM primes. It gets nicer as you stop it down though. Still, it's good enough wide open, and a great lens when you want to travel light, or to throw in the bag alongside your 2.8 zooms.
James Reader is a UK-based wedding and portrait photographer who does some nice lens comparisons on YouTube. He took a look at the 50mm f/1.4 VCM when it came out with comparisons to the 1.2 and the 1.8. It may give you a good sense of the rendering from these lenses:
?si=8_BAZ1FIzpuVrmeN
I think he has already done a 45mm video, but I have not seen it.
